Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

NORWAY -- For the last 20 years, Rodney Cayemberg has volunteered at the Dickinson County Fair.

"I just like seeing the kids have fun,” said Cayemberg.  “It's good for the kids to do this because it keeps them out of mischief, so I just like helping them out."

Cayemberg is one of more than 150 volunteers helping to make the 100th Dickinson County Fair a success.

While Fair Board Chairman John Degenaer can't always get the weather to cooperate, he knows he can rely on the volunteers every year.

"I always feel there are two things that make a good fair and those are people and good weather,” said Degenaer.  “I guess I’ve got to add a third...one that everybody just doesn't realize.  It's the volunteers that really help out and make things happen."

In its 100th year, the Dickinson County Fair has become more than just a U.P. tradition.  People from as far as Green Bay come to attend the event every year, which drew a high of nearly 60,000 people last year.  Officials hope they can duplicate those numbers again this year with a variety of attractions including rides, animals, music, and racing.

"We kind of pride ourselves with being the family fair,” Degenaer said.  “It's kind of the end of the year event for summer vacations, and people like to come to the fair.  You meet people you haven't seen for some time, and they all seem to gather at the fair."

The fair continues through Labor Day at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Norway.